CE Certificate Programs
The CE Certificate programs are not currently available for application. Updates to our certificate programs will be posted in Fall 2023! Thank you for your patience while we rework this program.
Students are welcome to register for individual courses via the CE Online Course Catalog! Return to Main CE Menu for additional program information.
For the serious student-artist, CE offers Certificate programs to enhance your technical skills and professional presence through a curriculum of focused study under the guidance of expert faculty-artists. Whether seeking to boost your personal or professional studio practice, build a foundation for undergraduate or graduate arts study, or lay the groundwork for a variety of arts-related occupations, PAFA's unparalleled fine arts instruction will propel you toward your artistic goals.
- Individually tailored assistance in course selection. Call the CE office for course recommendations that fulfill program requirements and best fit your needs.
- A flexible timeframe. Requirements can be completed in 1 - 5 years.
- Access to PAFA Open Academy classes. CE Certificate students may elect to fulfill Certificate requirements with eligible BFA and Post-Baccalaureate classes through PAFA's Open Academy Program.
- A Certificate of Completion to commemorate your achievement.
Certificate Options
CE Certificate in Figure Studies: The Eakins Legacy
Designed for students who want to embrace the PAFA figurative tradition that began with Thomas Eakins as the core of their artistic practice. Comprised of 12 required courses in drawing, painting, and sculpture, as well as a culminating self-directed study requirement, this curriculum provides students with a structured approach to exploring the proportions, anatomy and expressive possibilities of the human figure with an emphasis on observational practices.
CE Core Curriculum Certificate
If you're new to art, interested in taking classes but unsure of your direction, or returning to art after a long absence, the CE Core Curriculum Certificate is designed for you. Composed courses in drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking, with additional electives in your areas of interest, this structured curriculum provides a firm foundation across fine arts disciplines. The program culminates with an individual study program designed to promote independent thought and personal interest. The CE Core Curriculum Certificate will help you discover your creative voice and move forward in your artmaking through a focus on observational skills, variety of materials and techniques, and personal expression.
Program Requirements
- Each Certificate is composed of 8–12 CE courses, with options to fulfill requirements with Open Academy classes. Course requirements vary by Certificate–see program descriptions.
- Certificate programs culminate with an independent studio or other prescribed individual study program to promote personal interests.
- Courses must be taken for credit, which entails assessment for a grade based on attendance, participation, and quality of work. Grading requirements vary by course/instructor. Credits will appear on PAFA transcripts, available upon request.
- Critiques and meetings with an assigned faculty adviser are scheduled at regular intervals, based on the rate of completed courses.
- CE Certificate students must complete their Certificate course of study within 5 years of their semester start date. Resuming Certificate course requirements after this time limit will require reinstatement into the program by application and fee.
Contact Continuing Education
Thank you for your interest in PAFA's CE programs. Join our community of dedicated artists of all ages and skill levels: Continuing Education offers exceptional studio art classes and workshops for beginner to advanced artists outside of PAFA's degree programs, available to both museum members and the general public.
Telephone: (215) 972–7632
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